Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Sedona with Oak Creek Drive

Drive the South Rim's overlooks and trade post in one long day from Sedona

A day trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim with a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and stops at four major overlooks and the Cameron Trading Post. The route crosses Oak Creek Canyon on the way out, follows the rim east past Yavapai Point, Lipan Point and Desert View Watchtower, and includes time for lunch on your own at Grand Canyon Village. The full day runs 11 hours, departing between 7 and 7:30 a.m. and returning around 6 to 6:30 p.m.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Oak Creek Canyonpass by
2. Lipan Point15m · entry included
3. Desert View Watchtower15m · entry included
4. Cameron Trading Post30m

Grand Canyon South Rim exploration

• Drive scenic Oak Creek Canyon
• Shop and view viewpoint
• Photo stop at Lipan Point
• Photo stop at Desert View Watchtower
• Visit Cameron Trading Post

The experience

The drive starts early from your Sedona hotel and climbs through Oak Creek Canyon, one of Arizona's top scenic drives, before reaching the South Rim. Once there, you'll stop at several overlooks along the rim's eastern stretch (Yavapai Point, Lipan Point and the Desert View Watchtower), each offering different angles on the canyon's scale and geology. A guide travels with the group and explains the canyon's history and formation as you move between stops.

Lunch happens on your own at Grand Canyon Village, where you have time to eat and explore the historic buildings. After lunch, the route continues east along the rim to the Cameron Trading Post, located in the Navajo Nation just outside the park boundary. This stop focuses on Native American artwork and crafts rather than the canyon views themselves, and it gives the day a different character in its final hours.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as is bottled water throughout the day. You'll need to provide your own car seat if you're traveling with children eight years old or younger. Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older should expect an additional $100 USD park fee. Contact the tour operator before your date to arrange payment. A moderate level of fitness helps, since the day involves walking between the vehicle and overlooks, though collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if you have someone to assist you boarding and leaving the van.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Sedona accommodation.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• souvenir shopping time at the Cameron Trading Post.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (under 16)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 46 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 100

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Angels Gate Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a full day free and want to see the eastern rim's overlooks in a set sequence. You'll leave early morning and return by evening.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 16).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the drive like from Sedona to the Grand Canyon on this tour?

The route climbs through Oak Creek Canyon, one of Arizona's most scenic drives, then descends to the South Rim. The full journey from your hotel and back takes 11 hours, with the canyon portion split between stops at overlooks on the eastern rim.

How much time do I get to explore Grand Canyon Village?

You have time for lunch on your own at Grand Canyon Village, where you can eat and walk through the historic buildings. The exact window depends on the group's pace at earlier stops, but it's built into the day's schedule.

What exactly is the Cameron Trading Post and why is it on this tour?

The Cameron Trading Post sits in the Navajo Nation just outside the park's eastern boundary. The stop focuses on Native American artwork and crafts rather than canyon views, and it's included as part of the rim's cultural and commercial history.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

Bring a valid photo ID for residency verification if you're a non-U.S. resident. If you're traveling with children eight years old or younger, you must provide your own car seat or booster seat. Bottled water is included, and the guide will explain what to expect at each stop.

What happens if I'm not a U.S. resident?

Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older pay an additional $100 USD park entrance fee on top of the tour price. Contact the tour operator at least 72 hours before your tour date to arrange payment by credit card, and bring your valid photo ID to the pickup.